12 Mar 2018 --- SIG Combibloc has announced two new partnerships with ProLeiT and Dai Nippon Printing Co. (DNP) as part of a centralized strategy to bring greater diversity and automation to company operations. The partnership with ProLeiT is aimed at introducing smarter, more automated production plants, while the DNP collaboration is designed to bring added value and differentiation to the supplier’s carton packaging, technology and services in Japan.

CEO of SIG, Rolf Stangl, told FoodIngredientsFirst: “It’s vital that we build meaningful relationships in order to truly understand the challenges our customers are facing and what they need in order to successfully deliver great products to consumers in a safe, sustainable and affordable way – now and in the future”.

SIG is one of the world’s biggest solution providers for the food and beverage industry within the field of carton packs and filling technology. In 2016, the company achieved a turnover of €1.7 billion and has more than 5,000 employees.

ProLeiT is an expert within the field of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), enabling manufacturers to automate and control their production processes. This new partnership will allow both companies to combine their expertise for the joint development of innovative MES products for the food and beverage industry.

Click to EnlargeIn collaboration with ProLeiT, SIG are committed to
building smarter, more automated plants.

SIG’s new strategic collaboration supports its commitment to building smarter, more automated plants as part of its Smart Factory segment. This solution-driven and value-added platform is helping SIG to deliver IoT-enabled systems and technical services that transform filling plants into connected factories securing the highest efficiency, flexibility and quality.

“Digitization is an important issue for all companies today, and the Internet of Things is constantly increasing in scope and relevance,” said Dr. Thomas Wunderlich, Vice President Sales, Dairies & Beverages, ProLeiT AG. “It’s therefore crucial for us to work with partners who develop innovative technologies and strategies together with us when implementing new application scenarios.”

“With our partnership with SIG, we combine industry knowledge, an understanding of our customers' requirements and the solution portfolio of both providers to create a strong presence in the market. We look forward to opening a new chapter in MES development together with SIG."

Dr. Daryoush Sangi, Head of Production Engineering & Strategic Partnerships at SIG, added: "We chose this partnership because we are convinced that with ProLeiT we have found a highly competent partner for MES solutions to offer our customers complete data processing solutions in the context of a Smart Factory.”

Meanwhile, Tokyo-based DNP and SIG have signed a joint venture agreement which will bring new value-added carton packaging and filling technology solutions to the Japanese food and beverage industry. The 50-50 joint venture will be established as of April 1, 2018, under the name of DNP – SIG Combibloc Co., Ltd., located in Tokyo. The main focus of the partnership is to provide greater differentiation and added value in the field of carton packaging, technology and services for the food and beverages industry in Japan.

DNP is one of the world’s largest printing industry manufacturers, developing and marketing carton packs and filling systems for alcoholic beverages and soft drinks in Japan since 1978. DNP’s aseptic PET filling system is popular within the food and beverage packaging industry. The company is ideally positioned in Japan, with substantial experience in the field of aseptic technology through its network of highly-qualified service technicians and established connections with all major companies in the food and beverage industry.

Souichiro Nishitani, Corporate Officer and General Manager of Packaging Operations at DNP said: “The huge variety offered by the packaging system from SIG will enrich the Japanese market and offer clear added value for beverage manufacturers and consumers alike. The aim of our joint venture is to be Japan’s number two in aseptic carton packs by 2022.”

Rolf Stangl, Chief Executive Officer at SIG added: “It is an exciting moment in our company's history. For many years we’ve looked into entering this big and promising market together with a perfect partner. We’ve now found this with DNP. Together with them, we are bringing innovative solutions to the food and beverage industry in Japan for current and next-generation products.”

By Joshua Poole

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